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The Luncheon

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The Luncheon

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Summary

Summary of 'The Luncheon'

  • Author: William Somerset Maugham
  • Main Characters: The narrator and a woman he met twenty years ago.
  • Setting: A restaurant in Paris, Foyot's.
  • Plot Overview:
    • The narrator recalls a luncheon he had with a woman who had previously flattered him.
    • He is financially struggling but feels compelled to impress her.
    • The woman orders expensive dishes while the narrator tries to manage his limited budget.
    • The narrator experiences anxiety about the bill throughout the meal.
    • The luncheon ends with the narrator feeling humiliated due to his financial situation.
  • Themes:
    • Class and social status
    • The nature of humor and irony
    • Financial struggle and pride
  • Conclusion: The narrator reflects on the experience years later, noting the woman's significant weight gain, which he sees as a form of revenge.

Learning Objectives

  • Identify and analyze the author's financial struggles in the story.
  • Discuss the use of irony throughout the narrative.
  • Examine the author's humor and its impact on the story.
  • Explore the significance of the first-person narrative style.
  • Evaluate character development and relationships in the text.

Detailed Notes

The Luncheon

Overview

  • Author: William Somerset Maugham
  • Notable Works: Of Human Bondage, The Moon and Sixpence, Cakes and Ale
  • Writing Style: Lucid, economical, revealing character and situation with few touches.

Key Themes

  • Financial Struggles: The narrator's financial situation is a central theme, highlighting the disparity between his means and the expectations of his guest.
  • Irony: The story is rich with irony, particularly in the narrator's attempts to impress his guest while struggling to afford the meal.
  • Humor: Maugham's humor is evident in the narrator's self-deprecating observations and the absurdity of the situation.

Important Characters

  • Narrator: A struggling writer living in Paris, who is flattered by the attention of a woman he once knew.
  • The Lady: A talkative woman who appears imposing and is unaware of the financial burden she places on the narrator.

Plot Summary

  1. Meeting the Lady: The narrator recalls a past meeting with a woman who had invited him to lunch.
  2. The Luncheon: At the restaurant, the lady orders lavishly while the narrator is anxious about the bill.
  3. Financial Anxiety: The narrator's internal struggle with his finances is highlighted as he tries to maintain a facade of generosity.
  4. Conclusion: The story ends with a twist, revealing the lady's current state, which brings the narrator a sense of vindication.

Discussion Questions

  • How does Maugham use irony in the story?
  • In what ways does the first-person narrative enhance the story's effects?
  • Discuss the humor in the narrator's predicament.

Language Work

  • Words/Phrases Indicating Financial Struggles:

Exam Tips & Common Mistakes

Common Mistakes and Exam Tips

Common Pitfalls

  • Misunderstanding Character Motivations: Students often fail to grasp the underlying motivations of characters, leading to incorrect interpretations of their actions.
  • Ignoring Contextual Clues: Many overlook the significance of phrases like 'my heart sank' or 'panic seized', which indicate emotional states crucial for understanding the narrative.
  • Overlooking Irony: Instances of irony in the text can be missed, which are essential for a deeper comprehension of the author's message.

Tips for Avoiding Mistakes

  • Analyze Character Interactions: Pay close attention to how characters interact and what these interactions reveal about their personalities and motivations.
  • Focus on Emotional Language: When reading, highlight emotional expressions and consider how they contribute to the overall tone and meaning of the text.
  • Identify Irony: Actively look for ironic statements or situations, as they often provide critical insights into the themes and character dynamics.
  • Discuss in Groups: Engage in discussions with peers to explore different interpretations and clarify misunderstandings about the text.

Practice & Assessment

Multiple Choice Questions

A.

She claims to eat very little but orders expensive and multiple dishes.

B.

She claims to dislike meat but orders a steak.

C.

She claims to be a vegetarian but orders fish.

D.

She claims to be on a diet but orders dessert.
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

The irony lies in the woman's claim that she never eats more than one thing for luncheon, yet she orders multiple expensive items, contradicting her statement.

A.

It represents his attempt to save money by choosing the cheapest item.

B.

It symbolizes his preference for meat over other foods.

C.

It highlights his disregard for the guest's dietary advice.

D.

It reflects his desire to impress the guest with his choice of food.
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

The author chooses the mutton chop because it is the cheapest dish on the menu, reflecting his financial constraints.

A.

To order the cheapest dish on the menu.

B.

To skip dinner for a week.

C.

To borrow money from a friend.

D.

To use his savings for the month.
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

The author plans to order the cheapest dish, a mutton chop, to manage the cost of the meal.

A.

She never eats more than one thing for luncheon

B.

She always eats a heavy luncheon

C.

She prefers to skip luncheon

D.

She eats a lot during luncheon
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

The lady claimed that she never eats more than one thing for luncheon.

A.

He was delighted

B.

He was indifferent

C.

Panic seized him

D.

He was amused
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

Panic seized the author when the lady ordered the giant asparagus due to their high cost.

A.

He is worried about making a good impression.

B.

He is concerned about the high cost of the meal.

C.

He is anxious about the quality of the food.

D.

He fears the guest will criticize his choice of restaurant.
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The author feels panic due to the high cost of the meal, fearing he may not have enough money to pay the bill.

A.

Metaphor

B.

Irony

C.

Alliteration

D.

Simile
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Irony is used extensively, as the woman claims to eat lightly while ordering expensive dishes, leading to the author's financial distress.

A.

By making sarcastic remarks about the woman's choices.

B.

By laughing at his own financial predicament.

C.

By joking about the quality of the restaurant.

D.

By mocking the waiter's behavior.
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The author uses humor to cope by laughing at his own financial predicament, such as when he jokes about eating nothing for dinner.

A.

He wanted to impress her with his wealth.

B.

He was flattered by her interest in his work.

C.

He was curious about the restaurant.

D.

He had a lot of money to spend.
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The author was flattered by her interest in his work and agreed to meet her for lunch.

A.

He was wealthy and carefree.

B.

He was financially comfortable.

C.

He was struggling and had limited funds.

D.

He had just received a large inheritance.
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

The author was struggling financially and had limited funds during the luncheon.

A.

By providing an objective view of the events.

B.

By offering insight into the author's personal thoughts and feelings.

C.

By allowing multiple perspectives on the luncheon.

D.

By creating a sense of detachment from the events.
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The first-person narrative allows readers to gain insight into the author's personal thoughts and feelings during the luncheon, enhancing the humor and irony.

A.

Of Human Bondage

B.

The Moon and Sixpence

C.

Cakes and Ale

D.

The Great Gatsby
Correct Answer: D

Solution:

The Great Gatsby is a novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, not William Somerset Maugham.

A.

To emphasize her imposing appearance.

B.

To highlight her insatiable appetite.

C.

To suggest she is older than she appears.

D.

To indicate she has a charming smile.
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

The author describes the guest's teeth as more than necessary to emphasize her imposing appearance, which is part of his humorous portrayal of her.

A.

By showing her eating a lot despite claiming she eats little.

B.

By describing her as a vegetarian who orders meat.

C.

By portraying her as someone who dislikes expensive food but orders it anyway.

D.

By depicting her as someone who is on a diet but indulges in desserts.
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

The irony lies in the woman's claim that she never eats more than one thing for luncheon, yet she orders multiple expensive dishes.

A.

Of Human Bondage

B.

The Moon and Sixpence

C.

Cakes and Ale

D.

The Phantom Luncheon
Correct Answer: D

Solution:

The Phantom Luncheon is not listed among Maugham's best novels in the excerpt.

A.

Relieved

B.

Indifferent

C.

Pale and concerned

D.

Excited
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

The author turned a trifle pale when the lady ordered Champagne, indicating concern.

A.

A mutton chop

B.

Champagne

C.

A peach

D.

Coffee only
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Despite claiming she eats lightly, the lady ordered Champagne.

A.

Metaphor

B.

Simile

C.

Personification

D.

Hyperbole
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

The description of the peaches uses a metaphor by comparing their appearance to the blush of an innocent girl.

A.

By making sarcastic remarks about the guest's eating habits.

B.

By exaggerating the cost of the meal to emphasize his financial distress.

C.

By laughing at his own predicament and the irony of the situation.

D.

By describing the guest's appearance in a comical manner.
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

The author demonstrates his humor by laughing at his own predicament and the irony of the situation, such as when he jokes about eating nothing for dinner.

A.

By writing a story about the experience.

B.

By seeing the woman gain weight over the years.

C.

By confronting the woman about her behavior.

D.

By refusing to pay the bill.
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The author achieves a sense of revenge by observing that the woman has gained a significant amount of weight over the years, which he finds satisfying.

A.

She never eats more than one thing.

B.

She loves to eat a variety of foods.

C.

She prefers heavy meals.

D.

She only eats desserts.
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

The lady claimed that she never eats more than one thing for luncheon.

A.

She is self-aware and considerate.

B.

She is oblivious to her own contradictions.

C.

She is intentionally manipulative.

D.

She is modest and unassuming.
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The woman is oblivious to her contradictions, claiming to eat lightly while ordering lavishly.

A.

She eats a large variety of dishes.

B.

She claims to eat lightly but ends up ordering expensive items.

C.

She refuses to eat anything.

D.

She only drinks water and eats a small salad.
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The woman claims to eat lightly but orders caviare, salmon, asparagus, and other expensive items.

A.

Ask the lady to pay.

B.

Leave his watch as a pledge.

C.

Run away from the restaurant.

D.

Call a friend for help.
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The author planned to leave his watch as a pledge if he couldn't pay the bill.

A.

He had enough money to comfortably cover the luncheon costs.

B.

He had a limited budget and was concerned about the expenses.

C.

He was wealthy and unconcerned about the cost of the meal.

D.

He was expecting someone else to pay for the meal.
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The author mentions having only eighty francs to last the rest of the month, indicating his financial constraints.

A.

They symbolize the author's financial ruin.

B.

They represent the woman's greed.

C.

They are a metaphor for the author's lost youth.

D.

They highlight the seasonal abundance in Paris.
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

The peaches are not in season and are very expensive, symbolizing the financial strain the author experiences due to the woman's extravagant choices.

A.

Nothing, she was full.

B.

A dessert and coffee.

C.

Another main course.

D.

Just coffee.
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The lady ordered ice-cream and coffee after the asparagus.

A.

Caviare

B.

Salmon

C.

Asparagus

D.

Peach
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

The lady first ordered caviare at the luncheon.

A.

He is offended by her remark.

B.

He is pleased and feels validated.

C.

He is indifferent to her comment.

D.

He feels a sense of ironic satisfaction.
Correct Answer: D

Solution:

The author feels a sense of ironic satisfaction as he considers her weight gain as his 'revenge'.

A.

To spend no more than fifteen francs

B.

To spend no more than twenty francs

C.

To spend no more than ten francs

D.

To spend no more than fifty francs
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

The author planned to spend no more than fifteen francs on the luncheon.

A.

He was excited to try them.

B.

He was indifferent to the cost.

C.

He was worried about the expense.

D.

He was eager to impress the lady.
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

The author was worried about the expense of the giant asparagus.

A.

He plans to skip dinner for the next few days.

B.

He decides to cut out coffee for the next two weeks.

C.

He considers borrowing money from a friend.

D.

He thinks about using his savings.
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The author plans to cut out coffee for the next two weeks to manage the cost of the luncheon.

True or False

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

The author left the restaurant with no money left for the rest of the month, feeling financially strained.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The woman stated she never drank anything for luncheon, but then mentioned that her doctor only allowed her to drink Champagne.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

The author was not financially well-off and was concerned about the cost of the luncheon.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

The author was not financially well-off, as indicated by his concern about the cost of the luncheon and his limited budget.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The author was surprised by the high prices when the bill of fare was brought.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

The author had a tiny apartment in the Latin quarter of Paris.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The excerpt mentions that the author lived in a tiny apartment in the Latin quarter overlooking a cemetery.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The author mentions that he had his revenge as the woman, who once caused him financial distress, now weighs twenty-one stone.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

The author only had enough for an inadequate tip after paying the bill.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

William Somerset Maugham was born in Paris.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The lady repeatedly stated that she never eats more than one thing for luncheon.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The lady guest ordered asparagus even though she claimed she wasn't hungry.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The author was surprised by the high prices at Foyot's, as he had expected a modest luncheon cost.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

William Somerset Maugham qualified as a doctor but preferred writing to practicing medicine.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Maugham studied medicine but chose to pursue a career in writing.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Maugham is praised for his skill in revealing situations and characters with clarity and brevity, which are marks of a supreme craftsman.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Maugham had an amazing skill for revealing situations and character essentials with a few touches, using lucidity and economy of words.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

The author was not financially well-off and found Foyot's to be far beyond his means, indicating his financial struggles.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Although Maugham qualified as a doctor, he preferred writing to practicing medicine.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The author mentioned he had eighty francs to last him the rest of the month.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Despite claiming she never ate more than one thing, the woman ordered caviare, salmon, asparagus, and ice-cream.